Nordic mythology and Viking customs are increasingly widespread among Westerners, and it is not surprising that we investigate how these ancient warriors who arouse so much interest in our times moved and breathed. Today we tell you a little more about Viking mythology and the great paradise they entered at the will of Odin. We talk about how to get to Valhalla according to Norse history.

What is Valhalla and what does it mean

The word Valhalla, from the original runic Valköll (the old Viking term), is mentioned for the first time in a runic poem where the death of two kings is spoken of: Erik Bloodaxe (Eric I of Norway) who died in York in 954 and Haakon I (the Good) of Norway, who died in battle in the year 961. From this poem, all the soldiers mentioned in Viking literature, who die in battle are considered sons of Odin, since for this mythology, dying in battle is an honor, and therefore they are chosen by him or by the Valkyries to remain in Valhalla until Ragnarok.

It starts to talk about Valhalla as the house of Odin, the god of war and death. And only those warriors who have truly fought spectacularly and died in battle will have a chance to remain in Valhalla.

How to get to Valhalla according to Norse mythology

The way to get to this paradise has been changing over time, because when we talk about Vikings we must make it clear that we are not before a specific period of time. To understand the acts that led a Viking to Valhalla, Some concepts need to be made clear first. and important historical figures.

Valkyries, allies of Odin

The Valkyries are the feminine entities, conceived as spirits, energies or warriors, Odin's allies who represent women in Viking mythology, and who also fought and were especially skilled in battle. These helped Odin and decided who entered Valhalla and who was not worthy of enjoying this Nordic paradise.

Ragnarok, the battle of the end of the world

In Valhalla you are not only going to eat, drink and enjoy eternity. Well, the Vikings who are privileged and are there, will also fight and train to ragnarok, what will it be the battle that will take place at the time of the end of the world. This battle is the fight for which all Vikings, men and women, prepare, since for them battles are part of their enjoyment. For this reason only Vikings who died in good condition could go to Valhalla, because the ultimate goal was to keep fighting.

The Ship to go to Valhalla

Within Viking culture it was believed that eWas a means of transportation necessary to travel to the afterlife after death?. Either to Valhalla, or to the residence of Asgard to which each one was destined. This is why the great warriors were buried with their belongings and riches in the Viking ships so well known throughout history.

How to get to Valhalla according to Viking history

But the truth is that one of the versions that have more weight in Viking literature, It is a kind of Nordic ritual in which they said that warriors had their ribs and lungs removed. And only those who remained unmoved by this torture were worthy to have the gates of Valhalla open for them. Well, we must remember that it was the destination desired by all, where only the privileged could be chosen by Odin or the Valkyries, to prepare in the best way to face Ragnarok.